Suzanne, first born child, born with love and compassion, understanding one C.M.L.
Suzanne Ellen Lindblom passed peacefully with her loving family by her side, on July 28, 2007.
Suzanne was born Nov. 1, 1929, to Hugo and Corva Lindblom at Providence Hospital in Everett, Wash.
She spent her early childhood in Marysville, Wash. When her parents bought the Edgecomb store, they moved to Arlington, Wash., where she graduated from Arlington High School in 1947.
She then went to Providence Hospital School of Nursing, and graduated in 1950. Her first job was at Doctors Hospital in Seattle, Wash., where, as a new graduate nurse, she found herself in charge of the fourth floor surgical unit.
Then, she and two friends decided that Hawaii would be a great experience, purchased round trip tickets for $500 and found employment there (a nurse in the 1950s made about $200 a month). After spending a year there, she took a job in New York at Mercy Hospital in the trauma unit. While there, she planned on continuing her education at Columbia University. Her plans changed when she was home from New York and her father passed away.
She remained in Marysville to help her mother raise three younger siblings. To help support the family, she went to work at Providence Hospital in Everett, Wash. She remained there for 35 years, where she wore many hats including director of nursing and clinical educator.
Although she excelled as an administrator, she missed direct patient care and found her true calling in Coronary Care. She helped to establish the first Coronary Care unit in Everett with Dr. Patrick Nolan in the late 1960s, where she spent the rest of her working life.
Suzanne had a love for learning and mentored many young critical care nurses during this time. She had high expectations that her nurses would be life-long learners and established many standards that continue to be part of the nursing practice today. She was proud of the fact that she was one of the first nurses to earn her certification for critical care nursing through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses in the early 70s. Suzanne was also on the founding board of Northwest WA Evergreen Chapter of AACN, which has been active for 25 years.
Although her career achievements and contributions were many, her number one loyalty was to family and friends.
She is survived by siblings, Hugo III (Mary Lou) Lindblom, Richard (Christine) Lindblom and Jane Ryan. Her son, Jared Misikin also survives her. Other survivors include nieces and nephews, Hugo IV (Chrissy) Lindblom, Lyle Lindblom, Marti (Trent) Austin, Jana (Don) Hill, Gretchen (Matt) Leach, Katie (Ryan) Budimlija and Jennifer Lindblom. She is also survived by great-nieces and nephews, Alex and Jessie Austin, Nathaniel and Kirsten Lindblom, Ray and Lindsey Hill, Gunner Leach, Raija Budimlija; special cousin, Dr. Gareth (Wan) Houghton; and special friends, Marcia Lindblom and Betty Herrera. We also cant forget to mention her extended family, the girls, Kathy Pettett, Laurie Maxwell and Helen DiPaola, who enriched Suzannes retirement years with many social outings and milestone celebrations. She will be greatly missed by all.
Suzanne requested that no service be held. A celebration of her life will be held in September, date and place to be announced later.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in her name to Providence Hospital Foundation or Habitat for Humanity.
A special thank you from the family goes to Providence Home Health nurses, Barbara and Debbie. They would also like to acknowledge Suzannes Hospice caregivers, and the Visiting Angels, Rose and Tasha. The family would also like to recognize, Darrol Bemis, whose assistance allowed Suzanne to remain at home during her final days.